Nelia V. (Vergara) Escalante

Nelia V. Escalante, 88, of Wallington, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, June 16, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Nelia came to the United States in 1964 through the Exchange Visitors Program sponsored by Passaic General Hospital, where she worked as a pediatric registered nurse. She first made her home in Passaic before settling in Wallington in 1974, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

In the early 1970s, Nelia joined the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Manhattan, dedicating 25 years to nursing before retiring. She was a devoted parishioner of Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Wallington and was known for her warmth, generosity, and nurturing spirit.

Nelia found joy in cooking and took great pleasure in sharing her native Filipino dishes with family and friends. She also enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Above all, she was most proud of her family—her two accomplished daughters and her three beloved granddaughters, who were the light of her life.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Agapito A. Escalante in 2016 and her dear siblings, Rosetta Esguerra, Teresa Nebres, Eliseo Vergara, Godofredo Vergara, Herminia Vergara, Jose Vergara and Alma Vergara.

Survivors include: two devoted daughters, Judith Licerio and her husband, Eduardo Jr. and Kathleen Castaldo and her husband, Carmine; and three loving grandchildren, Lexie, Janelle and Sydney Licerio.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 at 10:45 am from the funeral home followed by an 11:30 am Mass at Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 127 Paterson Avenue, Wallington. Interment to follow at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary. 

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